SDG 13: Climate Action

Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Lebanon, like many countries, is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, increased droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns. These environmental changes impact the country’s agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity, making climate action a critical priority. The Lebanese government, particularly through the Ministry of Environment, has been actively working on national strategies to address climate change, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable energy, and enhancing climate resilience.

Lebanon’s Approach to SDG 13: Tackling Climate Change and Building Resilience

National Climate Policies:

Lebanon is a signatory to the Paris Agreement and has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The country’s climate action strategy is outlined in its Lebanon Climate Change Policy, which is led by the Ministry of Environment. The policy focuses on reducing emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation, as well as improving climate adaptation through water management, disaster risk reduction, and protecting ecosystems.

Lebanon’s NDC targets include a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (with conditional support) and a 15% reduction through local efforts. Achieving these targets requires significant investment in clean energy technologies, better land use practices, and enhancing Lebanon’s resilience to climate-related risks.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency:

The Lebanese government, through the Ministry of Energy and Water, has been promoting the development of renewable energy to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and cut emissions. The Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) has played a key role in developing and implementing renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind energy initiatives. These projects aim to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix to 30% by 2030.

In addition to promoting renewable energy, the government has implemented energy efficiency measures, including subsidies for energy-efficient appliances and incentives for green building practices. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) aims to improve energy efficiency across various sectors, including transportation, industry, and residential buildings, to reduce overall energy consumption and mitigate climate impacts.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience:

Lebanon faces increasing vulnerability to climate change, particularly in its water resources, agriculture, and coastal areas. The Ministry of Environment is working on adaptation measures to increase the country’s resilience to climate-related risks, such as droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.

Water management is a key focus, as Lebanon’s water resources are under strain due to reduced rainfall and increased demand. The government is working on improving water infrastructure, including rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, to enhance water security. Additionally, disaster risk reduction programs have been launched to improve the country’s preparedness for climate-related disasters, with a focus on vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.

Reforestation and Ecosystem Protection:

The Lebanese government has initiated reforestation programs aimed at restoring degraded forests and increasing forest cover. These efforts are crucial for reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience. The Ministry of Environment has been working with local communities, NGOs, and international organizations to implement these programs and ensure sustainable land management practices.

Ecosystem protection is also a priority, with the government focusing on conserving Lebanon’s unique biodiversity and natural habitats, particularly in the face of climate change. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) includes measures to protect Lebanon’s ecosystems from the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable land use.

Public Awareness and International Collaboration:

Raising public awareness about climate change is a key part of Lebanon’s strategy to address SDG 13. The Ministry of Environment, along with NGOs and civil society organizations, conducts public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the impacts of climate change and the importance of sustainable practices.

Lebanon also collaborates with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the European Union to secure funding and technical assistance for climate action projects. These partnerships support Lebanon’s efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy and enhance its resilience to climate risks.

Challenges:

Despite its efforts, Lebanon faces significant challenges in fully addressing SDG 13 due to the ongoing economic crisis, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure. These challenges have slowed progress in implementing renewable energy projects and climate adaptation measures. However, the government continues to push forward with its climate policies, recognizing the urgent need for action in the face of worsening environmental conditions.

Beirut Arab University and SDG 13: Climate Action on Campus and in the Community

Beirut Arab University (BAU) is actively contributing to SDG 13 through its efforts to promote climate action both on campus and within the broader community. The university is committed to reducing its environmental impact, raising awareness about climate change, and fostering research and innovation in climate-related fields.

Sustainable Campus Initiatives:

BAU has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability on campus. These initiatives align with the goals of SDG 13 and demonstrate the university’s commitment to climate action.

Energy Efficiency: The university has introduced energy-saving measures across its campuses, including energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and optimized heating and cooling systems. These initiatives not only reduce energy consumption but also lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Lebanon’s climate action goals.

Water Conservation: BAU has installed water-saving devices on campus and promotes the use of recycled water for irrigation purposes. These efforts contribute to climate adaptation by reducing the strain on Lebanon’s water resources, which are increasingly vulnerable to climate change.

Green Spaces: The university has prioritized the creation and maintenance of green spaces on campus, including tree planting initiatives and green rooftops. These efforts help sequester carbon dioxide, reduce the heat island effect, and create a more sustainable campus environment.

Research on Climate Change:

BAU’s research centers are actively involved in studying the impacts of climate change on Lebanon and developing solutions to mitigate these effects. The university’s Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering conduct research on topics such as renewable energy, water management, and climate adaptation.

Research projects at BAU have explored innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions, such as developing energy-efficient building materials, promoting the use of solar energy, and enhancing Lebanon’s climate resilience through improved infrastructure and sustainable land use practices. The university’s research contributes to national efforts to address climate change and supports Lebanon’s progress toward achieving SDG 13.

Climate Awareness and Education:

BAU is dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and the importance of taking action. The university organizes workshops, seminars, and public lectures on climate-related topics to engage students, faculty, and the wider community in discussions about climate action.

In addition to academic programs that focus on environmental sustainability, BAU encourages its students to participate in climate-related initiatives, such as tree planting campaigns, waste reduction efforts, and community outreach programs. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, the university helps to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change.

Community Engagement and Partnerships:

BAU actively collaborates with local municipalities, NGOs, and international organizations to promote climate action beyond the university campus. The university participates in national and regional climate initiatives and works with local communities to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change.

Through partnerships with organizations such as the UNDP, BAU supports climate adaptation projects in vulnerable communities, focusing on improving water management, protecting ecosystems, and enhancing disaster preparedness. These efforts contribute to Lebanon’s overall resilience to climate risks and help advance the country’s progress toward SDG 13.

Student-Led Climate Initiatives:

BAU encourages student involvement in climate action through environmental clubs and student organizations. These groups lead initiatives such as recycling programs, climate awareness campaigns, and volunteer work in reforestation and ecosystem restoration projects. By empowering students to take an active role in climate action, BAU fosters a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

Conclusion

Lebanon faces significant challenges in addressing SDG 13 due to its vulnerability to climate change and the ongoing economic and political crises. The government, through the Ministry of Environment and various international partnerships, has been working to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and improve climate resilience. However, the road to fully achieving climate action remains difficult, requiring sustained efforts and significant investment.

Beirut Arab University plays a key role in advancing SDG 13 by promoting climate action on campus, conducting research on sustainable solutions, and raising awareness about climate change. Through its academic programs, campus initiatives, and community engagement, BAU contributes to Lebanon’s climate resilience and supports national efforts to combat climate change.

A conference on climate change awareness

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=828511962644858&set=pcb.828512199311501

The Environmental Club

https://www.bau.edu.lb/BAUUpload/Library/Files/Uploaded%20Files/StudyAtBAU/UndergraduateCatalogue/2016-2017/Introduction/undergraduate-catalogue-student-activities-2016-2017.pdf

1. Social & Cultural Activities Division

- Teach students how to get involved & engaged in the community’s social problems.

- Help students to improve their skills such as organizational, presentation, leadership & interpersonal communication.

Clubs:Environmental Protection Club, Adventure Club, Social Club, Lebanese Red Cross Youth Center - BAU Club, Entrepreneurship, Astronomy, & TEDx BAU.

Environmental Meeting in Sawari hotel-Batroun

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Engineering-Tripoli/Event/Environmental-Meeting-in-Sawari-hotel-Batroun

The Environmental Club at Beirut Arab University-Tripoli branch under the supervision of Dr. Hadi Chahal participated in an environmental meeting in Sawari hotel-Batroun in the presence of a number of local non-governmental and international institutions. The meeting was also attended by seniors administrators and managers of educational institutions, in additions to experts, activists, and environmentalists.

The meeting was focused on launching youth projects carried out by the environmental clubs of twelve institutions between universities, public and private high schools. The environmental contest is considered part of "environmental youth clubs" project, which aims to spread environmental awareness among thousand students in northern Lebanon, and to encourage them to propose environmental initiatives and to implement activities to help alleviate the problems of pollution and climate-change, in addition to training on the importance of advocacy and media campaigns to reach an environment that can help in finding positive solutions.

Beirut Arab University - Tripoli branch was awarded the second place among all participated universities. At the end, certificates were distributed to the participants.

USAID Water Project in Lebanon (LWP) meeting municipality council members in Central Bekaa

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Research-Center-for-Environment-and-Development/Outreach-Activities-2017-USAID-Water-Project-in-Lebanon

RCED hosted in 19 October 2016, a meeting of the USAID funded project “Water Project in Lebanon (LWP)” with the municipalities in Central Bekaa including the Union of the Municipalities, and the municipalities of Bwarej, Majdl Anjar, Anjar, Marj, Kab Elias, and Meksse. LWP is a five-year program funded by USAID with the objective to increase access to clean, reliable and sustainable sources of drinking water for Lebanese citizens (info@lebanonwater.net) .

Objectives

• Strengthening and improving service delivery and resource management at the water authorities
• Enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the public water utilities and responding to water issues arising from the influx of Syrian refugees
• Promoting better water governance to assure the long-term protection of Lebanon’s water resources
• Improving private sector participation in water management

During the interactive meeting, LWP managers and consultants Drs. George Akl, Nabil Amasha, and Marwan Rizkalla introduced to participants the objectives and framework of LWP. This was followed by an open discussion on the needs of every municipality through which technical and capital assistance to enhance capacities and upgrade the infrastructure for better services and protection of natural resources were emphasized. The role of civil society and women as important stakeholders in water management and decision making is stressed. At the end of the meeting participants expressed the need to foster synergies and coordination between the Lebanese government, local authorities, private sector and NGOs towards a more efficient implementation of integrated actions.

Water in Lebanon: Turning Current Challenges into Future Opportunities

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Research-Center-for-Environment-and-Development/Community-Engagement/Water-in-Lebanon-Turning-Current-Challenges-into-Future-Opportunities

Conference panels at AUB-IFI, Beirut hosted participants from AUB, BAU, PU and Balamand Universities, and industry experts who encouraged the next generation to focus their studies and careers on the water and environmental sector in order to turn Lebanon’s water challenges into opportunities. The panels also featured various private and public actors who are involved in water management as well as Mr. Michele Pierpaoli – Attache’ for Water and Waste Water Affairs from the European Union Delegation to Lebanon. Interactive discussions with students and participants was held. The live streaming and BAU- ACF live discussion panel at BAU-RCED, Bekaa, conducted a discussion and knowledge-sharing platform led by Dr. Safaa Baydoun & Dr. Kamal El Kalaani with around 150 participants from universities, freshman and school students. Major water challenges in Lebanon, especially on Litani River, Bekaa region and management means of the impact of Syrian crisis and climate change on water resources issues were highlighted. Students were encouraged to purse higher studies on water resources related majors and contribute to local and national activities towards turning challenges into opportunities.

Food and Water Scarcity in the Light of Climate Change A Lecture at BAU

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Food-and-Water-Scarcity-in-the-Light-of-Climate-Change-A-Lecture-at-BAU

Upon an invitation from the President of Beirut Arab University Professor Amr Galal El Adawi, a lecture was delivered by the Engineer Aly Abousabaa Director General of The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) who gave a lecture on "Food and Water Scarcity in the Light of Climate Change".

After the Lebanese and BAU Anthems, Colleague Ms. Nadine Koleilat opened the lecture saying, "The majority of the adverse effects of climate change are experienced by poor and low-income communities around the world as they are significantly exposed to environmental factors affecting health and wealth among many others as well as low levels of available aptitude to adapt to climate change."

BAU President Professor Amr Galal El-Adawi spoke about the importance of this lecture as “it addresses the climatic changes represented by the lack of rainfall and high temperatures which constitute a major challenge that will have repercussions on Arab food security.” 

El-Adawi also praised the lecturer and his researches to find available solutions and proposed expectations in order to help countries and people face this painful reality.

Engineer Aly Abousabaa explained that "scarcity of water is a global issue. A large number of countries will be affected by climate change. Water scarcity will persist faster than we think, particularly in North Africa and the Gulf Region because they are most affected by water scarcity whether through rain or rivers. The shortage of water resources will be accompanied by severe desertification and deterioration in land quality, which will have a serious impact on the region's ability to produce food. 

Therefore, the solution is multifold, including intensifying the search for water sources, and increasing the efficiency of its use by converting the current irrigation systems to modern and sophisticated irrigation such as sprinkler and drip irrigation instead of drenching the soil with water.”

He continued, “In the next phase, the focus will be on the development of crop species and varieties capable of providing food in light of the challenges of water scarcity and climate change that threaten food security,” pointing out that “the coming years require a change in the dates of agriculture together with the development of irrigation systems, the adoption of a new agricultural policy and the necessity to change the food style."

Abousabaa also maintained that “ICARDA is exerting a concerted effort to deal with the impacts of climate change on the region, including the production of seeds that tolerate high temperatures, the development of irrigation methods and the introduction of some plants into the animal diet.” 

The lecture ended with a series of questions and interventions from the attendees followed by presenting him the BAU Shield of Appreciation by the President.

Engineering at Beirut Arab University , Tripoli Campus , organized a world day entitled "Earth Day Pollution and Solutions"

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Science-Tripoli/Event/The-Faculty-of-Science-in-cooperation-with-the-Faculty-of-Engineering-at-Beirut-Arab-University-Tripoli-Campus-organized-a-world-day-entitled-Earth-Day-Pollution-and-Solutions-

The Faculty of Science in cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering at Beirut Arab University in Tripoli Campus organized a world day entitled "Earth Day Pollution and Solutions". The ceremony was attended by the BAU Vice-President for Tripoli Campus affairs Prof. Khaled Baghdady, the Deputy Secretary General for Tripoli Campus Mr. Mohamed Hammoud, Director of the Faculty of Engineering Dr. Ahmad Lakkani, Director of the Faculty of Science Prof. Mohammad Jayyar, other directors and professors of all faculties, and a group of students. Dr. Jalal Halwani, Director of Water and Environmental Science Laboratories and Head of Health and Environment at the Lebanese University, conducted a presentation on the steps taken to preserve the Palm Islands Reserve in Tripoli from pollution. Dr. Safaa Baydoun from Beirut Arab University and Director of Center for Environmental Research and Development - Bekaa Campus, highlighted the current challenges facing natural resources in the Bekaa region of Lebanon. After that, Dr. Rami Owayni of the Faculty of Science presented innovative environmental techniques. A lecture on the desalination system was presented by Dr. Yasser Al Samdouni from the Faculty of Engineering, then followed by Dr. Mohamed Al Jawhary from the Faculty of Engineering who presented a lecture on solid waste management system. The students, Ryan Farha and Sarah Moubeid, from the Faculty of Science, concluded with a research about the factors that are leading to the increase in the number of adolescents, in northern Lebanon, smoking what is called ‘’Nargileh’’. This day was marked by an exhibition of students’ projects and ended up by distributing honor shields to lecturers and awards for successful projects.

Workshop entitled Green Environment Pollution Control

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Workshop-entitled-Green-Environment-Pollution-Control

The Faculty of Science at BAU hosted a workshop entitled “Green Environment: Pollution Control” in collaboration with the Research Center for Environment and Development in Bekaa and sponsored by PEER/ USAID.

The workshop aimed at highlighting the latest issues related to pollution and ways to control it in order to reach a Green Environment in Lebanon. It provided a platform for leaders, innovators, researchers, and students from across the Lebanese community to exchange ideas and solutions.

The workshop speakers were Mr. Bassam Sabbagh , Head of Urban Environment Service, Ministry of Environment), Mr. Zaher Redwan, Green Hand Organization, Mr. Elie Abou Sleiman, Green Insight, Dr. Majida Mcheik, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ali Fadel, Center for Remote Sensing, CNRS-L, Ms. Nohal al Homsi, WHO representative, and Dr. Jamila Borjac, Beirut Arab University.

The workshop brought up together key environmental activists and researchers, officials involved in environment and NGO’s to highlight on pollution in Lebanon and ways to control it. Moreover, more than 20 Environmental Projects from more than 50 Makassed Schools’ Students were displayed.

Unesco Club for BAU

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Student-Activities-Beirut/UNESCO-Club

The UNESCO Club at Beirut Arab University is dedicated to students who want to promote the values and mission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). We aim to support UNESCO's objectives locally through initiatives related to education, science, culture, and communication.

Our goal is to get involved in community service activities like awareness campaigns, training sessions, and other helpful events. These allow students to become active members in their community and positively impact their societies. We provide free services and outreach to the public.

Joining the Club

If you wish to join the UNESCO Club, here is the process:

• Submit Application:Send in your CV showing your skills and interest in the club via our Google form.
• Interview:Attend an interview so we can confirm your dedication to actively participating in the club.
• Attend Meetings:Join our monthly meetings to stay updated about the activities and events of the club.
• Participate in Events:Engage and participate in club trips, campaigns, conferences, and other activities.
• Meet Participation Requirements:To remain an active member, attend at least 2 meetings per month and participate in most of club events.

History

The UNESCO Club at Beirut Arab University was relaunched in March 2023 after being inactive for several years. The revival kickoff event was a hike to Kadisha Valley, a Lebanese cultural heritage site signed in the world heritage list of the UNESCO in 1998. This successful trip promoted UNESCO's vision and welcomed all BAU students to visit this extraordinary site.

Club Mission

The UNESCO Club pursues various initiatives in line with UNESCO's mission, including:

• Promoting education and advocating for quality schooling.
• Preserving cultural heritage sites and traditions.
• Encouraging scientific innovation and research.
• Fostering communication, freedom of speech, and access to information.
• Supporting human rights, equality, inclusivity, and social justice.
• Promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.
• Advocating for environmental sustainability.

By carrying out projects in these areas, our club contributes to a more peaceful, tolerant, and sustainable world.

The 8th NGO Fair

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=878932834269437&id=100064581856339&mibextid=oFDknk&rdid=9n1vLglLztWjEHrS